Mainsprings of Civilization Author:Ellsworth Huntington Ellsworth Huntington (1876-1947), was the American Geographer who was most widely known among educated people throughout the world. He wrote 29 books, parts of a score more, and hundreds of articles, many of which appealed to thinkers in one or more of several sciences, and in history, sociology, and population studies. Huntington's writings app... more »ealed because he took great pains to write attractively, and because he presented a succession of thought-provoking theories and generalizations. He studied with especial intensity weather and climate, their influences and changes, and greatly increased public recognition of their great significance. Huntington's books, especially, Pulse of Asia, Civilization and Climate, The Human Habitat, West of the Pacific, and Mainsprings of Civilization were widely read.« less